Turkey yields to markets, raises interest rates as lira tanks The central bank hikes its benchmark rate for the first time since 2018, hoping to curb double-digit inflation and a currency that is plumbing record lows. Turkey
Amnesty calls on EU to reconsider Libya cooperation over migrant abuse The rights group called on the European Union to make support for Libya's coast guard conditional upon ending longstanding abuse of migrants. Libya
In Turkey, Palestinian leaders announce breakthrough on unity, elections Fatah and Hamas appear to have deals on a unified approach and elections, following Israel's normalization agreements with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Palestine
Zarif says Iran open to more prisoner exchanges Iran says it is ready for more prisoner exchanges with the United States via Swiss mediation. Iran
An open letter to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Yossi Beilin, who participated in the back-channel negotiations leading the 1993 Oslo Accord, pens an open letter to the Palestinian president calling on him to stay focused on making peace. Palestine
Normalization deals create warm environment for Egypt-Israel ties Relations between Cairo and Jerusalem may be thawing in the wake of Israel's normalization agreements with two Gulf states. Egypt
Alliance between Netanyahu and ultra-Orthodox survives coronavirus crisis, emerges stronger The historic alliance between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the ultra-Orthodox parties faced several obstacles throughout the coronavirus, but it is now strengthening. Israel
Palestinians pivot to Turkey, Qatar for support in wake of normalization deals The various Palestinian factions, including Hamas and Fatah, are shoring up ties with Turkey and other countries in the region that stand against normalization with Israel. Palestine
Internal spat threatens Egypt’s oldest political party The Higher Committee of Al-Wafd Party decided to hold early elections for the party leadership, following an internal dispute over the allocation of the party’s seats in the National List of Egypt running in the country's upcoming parliamentary elections. Egypt
Antiquities restoration to be resumed at Egyptian village The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is aiming to place Bahnasah village in Minya governorate on the tourist map following its restoration. Originals
Kenya taxes Egyptian imports raising specter of African trade war Kenya has decided to impose taxes on the imports coming from Egypt, following its unilateral retreat from the COMESA agreement. Egypt
Israeli-Arab town operates its own anti-corona plan The Israeli-Arab town of Kafr Qasim has managed to lower the number of coronavirus infections, but some residents warn that celebration is premature. Israel
The Takeaway: Normalization deals don’t ‘repair damage’ of Trump policies, says US senator Democrat Chris Van Hollen takes apart Trump policies in Middle East; Al-Monitor gets the scoop on the art of the deal in Sudan; Turkey’s militarized foreign policy; the gold standard for nuclear power in the Middle East. United States
Israel's new ambassador to Egypt finally assumes post Amira Oron's assumption of the ambassadorship was delayed for almost twof years because Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proposed another candidate for the important position. Egypt
France supports Hariri's proposal to end Lebanon Cabinet standoff Former Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri has suggested the role of finance minister be held by an "independent" Shiite. Lebanon
Intel: US push to get Sudan to recognize Israel faces setback Sudan's government is asking for $3 billion in emergency economic aid Israel
